Understanding Excessive Gas: Causes, Dietary Links, and Solutions
Frequent flatulence? I often pass gas, and I don't know why. Is it related to what I eat, or is it just my body's constitution? Can it be improved?
Dr. Wang Fangli reply Internal Medicine
A normal person passes gas 14 to 23 times a day. Foods that are more likely to produce gas include legumes, broccoli, cabbage, kale, onions, artichokes, asparagus, apples, pears, peaches, whole grains, fruit juices, dairy products, bread, corn chips, and salad dressings. However,...[Read More] Understanding Excessive Gas: Causes, Dietary Links, and Solutions
Understanding Dizziness and Low Hemoglobin: When to Seek Medical Help
Dizziness, hemoglobin level 11.0? Hello Doctor: I previously donated blood multiple times in June 2006, and my hemoglobin levels were always within the standard range. Recently, when I went to donate blood, the nurse informed me that my hemoglobin was 11.0, which does not meet th...
Dr. Wang Fangli reply Internal Medicine
Hello Ahua: A hemoglobin level of 11.0 indicates anemia. Please visit the hospital to investigate the cause of the anemia and receive appropriate treatment. 96.6.22 Hualien Hospital, Wang Fangli.[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Low Hemoglobin: When to Seek Medical Help
Can Stem Cell Therapy from Cord Blood Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis Is stem cell therapy an option for rheumatoid arthritis? I have been suffering from this condition for 5-6 years, and many of my joints can no longer bear weight or have not regained their full range of motion. I am due to give birth this month; can umbilical...
Dr. Wang Fangli reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Cherry Forest: There are literature reports indicating that the use of stem cells for autologous bone marrow transplantation has therapeutic effects, but it remains a preliminary experimental therapy. It is advisable to consult with a rheumatology and immunology specialist...[Read More] Can Stem Cell Therapy from Cord Blood Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Understanding Post-Injection Complications: A Case Study
After receiving the injection? On February 1st, around 11 AM, I accompanied a friend to a pediatric clinic for a consultation. Her symptoms included muscle pain, headache, and neck stiffness. The doctor diagnosed her with what seemed to be influenza and administered an anti-infla...
Dr. Wang Fangli reply Internal Medicine
The information you provided is insufficient for making a diagnosis or assessment. The hospital that provided your emergency care should have the most comprehensive data. If you have concerns about the treatment from the first clinic, it is advisable to consult with a physician a...[Read More] Understanding Post-Injection Complications: A Case Study
Is It an Injury or a Disease? Understanding Foot Pain in Athletes
Unconsciousness or injury? I am overweight and enjoy playing basketball. In the past, I often sprained my ankle, and after seeing a doctor, my foot would stop hurting, so I continued playing. Now, if I play for a longer period, my foot starts to hurt, often in the ankle and the h...
Dr. Wang Fangli reply Internal Medicine
It is true that gout can improve on its own without treatment, but if you experience foot pain after playing sports for an extended period, this is not necessarily a sign of gout. It is advisable to visit a hospital and consult with a family medicine physician for an evaluation.[Read More] Is It an Injury or a Disease? Understanding Foot Pain in Athletes
Understanding High Triglycerides: Causes and Health Implications
Triglycerides Hello Dr. Wang, I would like to ask you about my recent health check-up report. It shows that my triglyceride level is 226, which indicates that it is elevated (the normal range is 30-200 mg/dL). I am concerned if there might be an issue with my body. Could you pl...
Dr. Wang Fangli reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Xiao Fen: Triglycerides are the same as neutral fats. The primary source of triglycerides is carbohydrates. Therefore, if you have eaten a large meal or have been overeating, consuming sweets, being overweight, or not exercising in the days leading up to a blood test, it i...[Read More] Understanding High Triglycerides: Causes and Health Implications
Does Xylitol and Goji Berry Tea Affect Blood Sugar Levels?
Diet for Blood Sugar Control Hello Dr. Wang, I would like to ask if consuming foods containing 400 mg of xylitol in a day will raise blood sugar levels. Additionally, does drinking goji berry tea every day also affect blood sugar levels? I appreciate your answers to these quest...
Dr. Wang Fangli reply Internal Medicine
Hello Jerry: Xylitol and goji berries themselves do not raise blood sugar levels. However, it is important to consider the effects of other components in foods or goji berry tea on blood sugar. Dr. Wang Fangli, Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Hospital, Ministry of Health...[Read More] Does Xylitol and Goji Berry Tea Affect Blood Sugar Levels?
Can Falls Lead to Pneumonia? Understanding the Connection and Causes
Can a fall trigger pneumonia? Hello, I would like to ask about the causes of pneumonia. Can an external injury like a fall lead to pneumonia? Thank you!
Dr. Wang Fangli reply Internal Medicine
Hello Ally: Falls do not cause pneumonia; pneumonia is usually a complication of upper respiratory infections in individuals with weakened immune systems.[Read More] Can Falls Lead to Pneumonia? Understanding the Connection and Causes
Maintaining Weight Loss: Tips to Avoid Yo-Yo Dieting and Hair Loss
Weight loss Hello, doctor. About 5-6 months ago, I lost 20 kilograms, going from 70 to 50 kg, through dieting. My method was to have a normal breakfast, but I often ate Kellogg's Fruit Granola with fresh milk. For lunch, I had various steamed vegetables and boiled pork, and ...
Dr. Wang Fangli reply Internal Medicine
For breakfast, you can continue eating as you did six months ago. For lunch and dinner, you should add one bowl of rice (filled to 80%). Avoid consuming too much sweet fruit. In addition to dietary control, it's important to maintain regular exercise.[Read More] Maintaining Weight Loss: Tips to Avoid Yo-Yo Dieting and Hair Loss
What to Do If You Have Low White Blood Cell Count?
excuse me? Doctor: May I ask, I went to the hospital for a check-up and found that my white blood cell count is low. What should I do? Also, what foods should I eat to improve this condition?
Dr. Wang Fangli reply Internal Medicine
Low white blood cell count can sometimes indicate serious blood disorders, liver cirrhosis with splenomegaly, or certain viral infections during their acute phase. If none of these conditions are present, further monitoring and testing may be necessary, as a small percentage of h...[Read More] What to Do If You Have Low White Blood Cell Count?
Understanding Leg Cramps in Growing Teenagers: Causes and Solutions
Cramps in Growing Adolescents Hello, my son is 15 years old, with a height of 172 cm and a weight of 47 kg. Recently, he often complains of cramps in his toes and the second toe. What could be the reason for this? Should we see a doctor (which specialty)? Does he need to suppleme...
Dr. Wang Fangli reply Internal Medicine
If you are slightly underweight and experiencing muscle cramps, it is advisable to visit a hospital and consult either an internal medicine specialist or a family medicine physician for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Leg Cramps in Growing Teenagers: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Itchy Coccyx and Groin: Causes and Solutions
Itching in the coccygeal area and the groin? Hello Doctor: In the past two weeks, I have experienced intense itching in the area of my coccyx and on both sides of my groin. There is no redness, swelling, or any signs of rash or insect bites. Sometimes the itching extends from the...
Dr. Wang Fangli reply Internal Medicine
It is most likely localized urticaria, which is an allergic reaction. It can be treated with oral antihistamines for 5-7 days, followed by observation. God bless you, Jesus loves you.[Read More] Understanding Itchy Coccyx and Groin: Causes and Solutions
Is This a Sign of Heat Stroke? Understanding Symptoms and Recovery
Is this a symptom of heatstroke? A couple of days ago, after finishing my stall, I went home and developed a fever for two days (I have a medication allergy, so it wasn't severe, and I just rested). My throat was sore, and today after the fever subsided... while standing at ...
Dr. Wang Fangli reply Internal Medicine
This is likely not heatstroke; it may be the recent influenza or another infection, and it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly.[Read More] Is This a Sign of Heat Stroke? Understanding Symptoms and Recovery
Understanding Fluctuating Blood Pressure: Causes and Concerns
Blood pressure issues??? I recently developed a habit of measuring my blood pressure, and I found that my readings vary each time. Sometimes my systolic blood pressure is as high as 150 to 160, while my diastolic pressure ranges from 90 to 105. At times, both readings are high, a...
Dr. Wang Fangli reply Internal Medicine
It is recommended that you rest for 10 minutes and maintain a calm demeanor before measuring your blood pressure, and make a record of the reading. If the systolic pressure is greater than 120 or the diastolic pressure is greater than 80, you should go to the hospital for evaluat...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuating Blood Pressure: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Dizziness: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
First episode of dizziness? Hello, Doctor: I am a second-year graduate student. My daily routine usually involves entering the lab at 9 AM and returning to my dormitory around midnight, falling asleep between 1 and 2 AM. The day before yesterday, when I woke up in the morning, I ...
Dr. Wang Fangli reply Internal Medicine
In healthy individuals, dizziness can occur in the presence of viral infections, bacterial infections, sleep deprivation, or stress. If you have iron deficiency anemia with a hemoglobin level of only 8, you should seek treatment at a hospital and pay attention to your diet and li...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Understanding Elevated BUN Levels: Causes and Solutions
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) issues? A few days ago, my health check report came back, showing a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 20 mg/dL, with the normal range being 5 to 18 mg/dL. I have been taking pain medication for bone neuropathy. Will my BUN level decrease if I stop takin...
Dr. Wang Fangli reply Internal Medicine
As long as creatinine levels are normal, a slightly elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level is not a major concern and is unrelated to the use of pain medications. It may be due to excessive protein intake.[Read More] Understanding Elevated BUN Levels: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Stage 3 Hemorrhoids: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to See a Doctor
Regarding third-degree hemorrhoids? I have researched information about hemorrhoids and realized that I might have them, specifically at stage three (there is no pain after bowel movements, but there is blood when wiping, and there are hemorrhoids that protrude from the anus and ...
Dr. Wang Fangli reply Internal Medicine
Please consult a general surgeon for diagnosis and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Stage 3 Hemorrhoids: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to See a Doctor
Managing Iron Deficiency Anemia and Asthma: Can I Exercise Safely?
excuse me? Doctor, I have iron deficiency anemia and asthma. However, my asthma has not flared up for a long time, and I feel like a normal person. But my anemia has been acting up recently... I often feel dizzy and lightheaded while walking at school. I want to know if, with my ...
Dr. Wang Fangli reply Internal Medicine
If you have iron deficiency anemia, you should supplement with iron and pay attention to a balanced diet. If you are still experiencing dizziness despite adequate intake, you should go to the hospital for an examination.[Read More] Managing Iron Deficiency Anemia and Asthma: Can I Exercise Safely?
Am I at Risk for Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Am I suffering from diabetes? Hello Doctor: I am 13 years old, 162 cm tall, and weigh 52 kg. Whenever I wipe with tissue after noticing vaginal discharge (or female secretions, which have a stronger fishy odor), there are many ants that come to crawl and linger. We have a lot of ...
Dr. Wang Fangli reply Internal Medicine
Please visit a medical facility for testing, which should include fasting blood glucose after 10 hours, postprandial blood glucose after 2 hours, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) testing to determine if diabetes is present.[Read More] Am I at Risk for Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Implications
Mediterranean anemia Hello, Dr. Wang! Several years ago, I had a blood test at the hospital, and the doctor indicated that my red blood cell volume was small, suspecting thalassemia or iron deficiency anemia. However, the doctor stated that treatment was not necessary and did not...
Dr. Wang Fangli reply Internal Medicine
Serum iron concentration, total iron-binding capacity, and ferritin levels should be re-evaluated to differentiate between iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia. A lymphocyte percentage of 15.5% indicates a low proportion of lymphocytes in the white blood cell count (normal rang...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Implications